How to Build Cheap Solar Panels

The bulk of the cost of installing a solar electric system is in the solar panels themselves. Prefabricated panels run upwards of $1,000. The actual design of a solar panel, however, is not especially difficult, and with minimal knowledge or carpentry and electrical work, you can build your own solar panels for a fraction of the cost of buying prefabricated panels.

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Solar Cell Array

Step

Lay the solar cells face down on the plywood in rows of six.

Step

Solder each cell together in an array, using separate copper wires for the positive and negative poles to make the connections. Start from the top left cell and end with the bottom left cell touching each solder point. Be careful not to damage any of the cells and be sure to leave enough excess wire to attach the blocking diode and electrical jack to later.

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Step

Test the array with a voltmeter the ensure it is functioning properly.

Step

Place a dab of heat-resistant adhesive on the back of each cell, set the Masonite pegboard directly on the cells so that it covers all of them. Flip the entire arrangement over so that the cells are resting on the pegboard and you are free to work with the plywood.

Step

Cut off any any excess pegboard.

Panel Assembly

Step

Using the 3/4-inch by 3/4-inch lumber, create a frame around the entire perimeter of the plywood.

Step

Carefully set the pegboard with the cells attached to it inside the frame and secure it to the pegboard.

Step

Cut a notch in the frame for the extra wire from the solar array to pass through.

Step

Solder the blocking diode and electrical jack to the excess wire sticking out from the frame. Be consistent in your wiring and ensure that the positive wire is soldered to the positive connection on the blocking diode and jack and the negative is connected to the negative. The positive and negative connections will be indicated on the diode and the jack. Be sure to retest the array before adding the jack.

Step

Cover the entire panel with Plexiglas, secure the Plexiglas to the frame and seal all of the edges around the Plexiglas with silicone caulk.